Why do you have to go to church to worship God? I have found that I gain insight from the sermons, I feel a sense of community when I worship with others. I also really, really feel like Jesus gave ME the bread the body of Christ when I take communion.
This Sunday I went to the six o'clock service because I just couldn't get myself out of bed. It's a nice option that the church offers. The message of the service came from the Gospel John 12:20 "Whoever serves me, the Father will honor", Jesus said.
Andrew Mullins gave me some really valuable insight into the passage.
The sermon was about receiving a calling from God. It's something I've been really thinking about a lot lately. The idea of me going to Seminary school makes my heart sing. The idea of not going to Seminary makes me feel cold, like I'd be missing out on something in my life. In fact the more I think about not going the more I realize that I may be experiencing a calling to go.
Andrew said it best when he said that it's not for us to judge our success, that's God job. It's our job to do faithfully everything we choose to do. I think I've been really hung up in the idea of whether of not people perceive me as successful or if I perceive myself as such. A burden was lifted when Andrew shared those wise words. What the hell am I doing wasting my energy seeking success when it isn't even any of my business?
Could I do things faithfully? I believe I can. Going to church helps me reaffirm that. It's in the doing and going that my faith is strengthened not just in believing. I would have never come to that conclusion on my own I needed that sermon. Now I'll simply.wait till I get the information from the General Seminary school...then I'll sit still and listen for God's word.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Abraham 15 The Covenant
After watching his favorite for a while God talks to Abraham again and promises him that his offspring will be numerous. God also demands, very specifically that Abraham sacrifice, "a three-year-old cow, a three year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram a turtledove ( age not important) and a young pigeon.
Abraham makes the sacrifice and then God hits him with the flip side of the covenant. 'Your offspring with be strangers in a land that does not belong to them; they will be enslaved and oppressed 400 years."
God is not going to make this easy for Abraham's descendant and he make that very clear.
I have learned that it can take time for God to come around. Believing does not simply give you a free pass.
I remember thinking that after God found me things would suddenly and miraculously turn around and everything would be perfect....NOT.... I've had to work hard, keep consistent in my faith and incorporate my beliefs in the air I breath- every day to finally get to a point that God's promises seem within reach. Belief is not a miracle it's a covenant and in my case it took time.
What promises to you feel God has made to you?
What promises have you made to God?
How are ya'll doing?
Abraham makes the sacrifice and then God hits him with the flip side of the covenant. 'Your offspring with be strangers in a land that does not belong to them; they will be enslaved and oppressed 400 years."
God is not going to make this easy for Abraham's descendant and he make that very clear.
I have learned that it can take time for God to come around. Believing does not simply give you a free pass.
I remember thinking that after God found me things would suddenly and miraculously turn around and everything would be perfect....NOT.... I've had to work hard, keep consistent in my faith and incorporate my beliefs in the air I breath- every day to finally get to a point that God's promises seem within reach. Belief is not a miracle it's a covenant and in my case it took time.
What promises to you feel God has made to you?
What promises have you made to God?
How are ya'll doing?
Abraham Genesis 13-14
In this section Abraham and his nephew Lot decide to divide up the land. It's one of the fist times we see the idea of land ownership evolving. Lot however is captured in a battle by for kings with very difficult names like Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goilim , Amarapher king of Shinar and Ariock king of Elarar. ( Say that three times fast!)
Abraham finds out and negotiates his nephews release. Again this shows Abraham a shrewd and successful negotiator. Like the Pharaoh situation with his wife Abraham comes out smelling like a rose.
Abraham finds out and negotiates his nephews release. Again this shows Abraham a shrewd and successful negotiator. Like the Pharaoh situation with his wife Abraham comes out smelling like a rose.
Ok so we're dealing with Abraham
I think the best way to go through the section on Abraham is to attack it chapter by chapter. Genesis 12 introduces the childless characters of Abraham and Sarai. Abraham and God are on a first name bases and he is God's favored human. In fact God promises to bless all the people of the world through him. Abraham and his descendants become the chosen people.
Due to a famine Abraham decides to go to Egypt. But, before entering the city he decides that his' wife's beauty may be a problem so he tells her to call him brother and she in taken to be one of the Pharaohs concubines. His actions here are not particularly noble and it seems Abraham is a bit crafty.
Who does God punish? God punishes the Pharaoh for sleeping with Abraham's wife! When the Pharaoh find out he's pissed and confused. He confronts Abraham, who offers no explanation, so the Pharaoh kicks him and Sarai out of Egypt but not before giving them tons of livestock, silver and gold.
Sarai must know some great moves!
Due to a famine Abraham decides to go to Egypt. But, before entering the city he decides that his' wife's beauty may be a problem so he tells her to call him brother and she in taken to be one of the Pharaohs concubines. His actions here are not particularly noble and it seems Abraham is a bit crafty.
Who does God punish? God punishes the Pharaoh for sleeping with Abraham's wife! When the Pharaoh find out he's pissed and confused. He confronts Abraham, who offers no explanation, so the Pharaoh kicks him and Sarai out of Egypt but not before giving them tons of livestock, silver and gold.
Sarai must know some great moves!
At Church on Sun March 15, 09
It was a great service today at the Church of the Epiphany. The choir was the bomb! I especially liked the Communion Hymn, an African-American Spiritual called "I want Jesus to walk with me."
The Gospel John 2"13-22 delivered by Deacon H.W. described Jesus' anger with the business practices of the temple. What he witnessed was his followers getting stiffed in order to worship. Think of the temples like a little country with their own currency. If you wanted to worship or buy any of the trappings like a chicken to sacrifice you had to buy it in temple currency.
The temple would exchange your money at an unusually high rate. It's kind of like my credit card company who recently sent me a letter explaining to me how terrible the economic situation and do to the fact that I'm a good customer they are raising my purchase rate to 22.9%. How kind! How thoughtful! Wasn't the stimulus package created to prevent banks from doing this?
Jesus would not have approved. I wish he were here to deal with my credit card company!
The Gospel John 2"13-22 delivered by Deacon H.W. described Jesus' anger with the business practices of the temple. What he witnessed was his followers getting stiffed in order to worship. Think of the temples like a little country with their own currency. If you wanted to worship or buy any of the trappings like a chicken to sacrifice you had to buy it in temple currency.
The temple would exchange your money at an unusually high rate. It's kind of like my credit card company who recently sent me a letter explaining to me how terrible the economic situation and do to the fact that I'm a good customer they are raising my purchase rate to 22.9%. How kind! How thoughtful! Wasn't the stimulus package created to prevent banks from doing this?
Jesus would not have approved. I wish he were here to deal with my credit card company!
Monday, March 9, 2009
At Church on Sun, March 8th Part B
The Gospel of Mark 8:31-38 was read by the Deacon Horace Whyte. There was however one particular sentence that Jesus said to his followers that created the segway for Reverend Joseph Zorawick to begin his sermon. And I quote "If any want to become my followers, let then deny themselves and take up the cross and follow me."
In this instance Jesus is asking potential followers to give up everything and follow him. The question is; Could we do this if Jesus asked?
Ironically this was discussed this in my EfM course and I was really surprised by the fact that some people were really uncomfortable with this idea. I can't speak for any but myself but I can tell you that if Jesus was in front of me as Jesus my Lord and Saviour I wouldn't be giving up anything to follow him I'd be gaining everything by letting him lead me. That for me would be the greatest blessing that I can imagine. To follow Jesus? To be picked to follow Jesus? What's to think about?
In this instance Jesus is asking potential followers to give up everything and follow him. The question is; Could we do this if Jesus asked?
Ironically this was discussed this in my EfM course and I was really surprised by the fact that some people were really uncomfortable with this idea. I can't speak for any but myself but I can tell you that if Jesus was in front of me as Jesus my Lord and Saviour I wouldn't be giving up anything to follow him I'd be gaining everything by letting him lead me. That for me would be the greatest blessing that I can imagine. To follow Jesus? To be picked to follow Jesus? What's to think about?
At Church on Sun, March 8th Part A
Yes, I remembered to change my clock and arrived at church on time. (This was not always the case LOL).
As you know by know Lent is a somber time. We're leading into the Crucifixion. From the O.T. we read about Abraham and the covenant that God bestowed on him. Basically, God promises to make Abraham, the the father of all and with that all his descendants would "inherit the earth". Romans 4:13-25.
I think the most important thing here is that of all the people populating the world Abraham is chosen. Thus the Jews become God's chosen people. I don't know how God came upon this decision but it does say in Romans that Abraham was chosen through "the righteousness of faith."
A fact is a fact. God has selected a chosen people.
As you know by know Lent is a somber time. We're leading into the Crucifixion. From the O.T. we read about Abraham and the covenant that God bestowed on him. Basically, God promises to make Abraham, the the father of all and with that all his descendants would "inherit the earth". Romans 4:13-25.
I think the most important thing here is that of all the people populating the world Abraham is chosen. Thus the Jews become God's chosen people. I don't know how God came upon this decision but it does say in Romans that Abraham was chosen through "the righteousness of faith."
A fact is a fact. God has selected a chosen people.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
At Church on Sun March 1, 09
I didn't go to the Epiphany this Sunday. Instead I was invited by a friend, F.M., to the Christan Science Church called the First Church of Christ Scientist, at 68th street and Central Park West. The first thing I noticed about this Church was how awesome the building was. Great pillars, held up the structure and in the lobby there was the most beautiful marble from South Cover New York. It was built in 1899 and finished in 1901.
Every Christian Science church I've been to have been more beautiful than the next. They really know how to build a church.
Sometimes in the Episcopalian religion I get a little depressed. I don't like to say stuff like " I was a sinner from my mother's womb", not do I like to ask forgiveness for stuff like, "Ive been deaf to your call to serve."I don't like to repeat things like that because for me they do not ring true. Also, I get tired of accusing myself of living and breathing sin. I don't believe I'm a sinner.
I find that Christian Science takes me away from that mindset, and puts me in a place where I am good because all goodness comes from God. Sin sickness, and disease don't matter because they don't exist because they are NOT from God. I especially like the quote from Mary Baker Eddy " Divine love always has met and always will meet every human need." I've found that my experience with Christian science has enhanced my experience with God, brought me closer to God and has made me more conscious of the "goodness" that exists all around me.
Today I had the great privilege of being part of a voice recording that is going to record C.S. voices from all over the Globe uniting the Church and it's members. We sang a hymn called Siyahamba translated from Zulu text. It was a wonderful experience.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Week 6, Noah Part A
Well we've finally arrived at Noah and the flood. The message here is that God is pissed, and remorseful about creating us in the first place. It turns out human beings are a murderous and violent lot and God wants to wipe us out. Woman may have eaten the fruit but it's the male population that brings violence.
God does however find favour with a guy named Noah who is described as "righteous, blameless among the people of his time and he walked with God". 6:9.
(I owe a lot to Noah, he saved my butt).
God tells Noah to take two of every animal and gives him very specific instructions on how to build an arch. Noah was 600 years old when the flood came. What? Yes. That's 600 years old.
A couple of things to note here. Man's relationship with the animal kingdom changes. Not only do animals now fear man but human beings begin to eat meat. God also decrees that man will be mortal and his days will be numbered, up to 120 years! The world has changed.
I'm a little puzzled here. How did we get to a point where our average age is only around 80?
Anyway, the flood lasts for forty days. That the same amount of days that Lent lasts, so I figure it's a good lotto number. In fact there are lots of numbers in Genesis 7, who knew?
Next comes a very poetic part that I like very much. Noah sends out a dove who returns to the arch, he waits seven more days and sends out the dove who returns with an olive branch. I think that's where we get the idea of extending an olive branch as a show of friendship and reconciliation.
The great part is that God promises never to flood the earth again. Obviously he feels some remorse, after all we are a charming and entertaining bunch. And to seal the deal he says" whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth ." 9:15.
As I read this the rainbow which is so beautiful and hopeful takes on a new meaning for me and I hope I see one soon. It's been a long time since I've seen a rainbow in the sky.
When is the last time you've seen a rainbow?
God does however find favour with a guy named Noah who is described as "righteous, blameless among the people of his time and he walked with God". 6:9.
(I owe a lot to Noah, he saved my butt).
God tells Noah to take two of every animal and gives him very specific instructions on how to build an arch. Noah was 600 years old when the flood came. What? Yes. That's 600 years old.
A couple of things to note here. Man's relationship with the animal kingdom changes. Not only do animals now fear man but human beings begin to eat meat. God also decrees that man will be mortal and his days will be numbered, up to 120 years! The world has changed.
I'm a little puzzled here. How did we get to a point where our average age is only around 80?
Anyway, the flood lasts for forty days. That the same amount of days that Lent lasts, so I figure it's a good lotto number. In fact there are lots of numbers in Genesis 7, who knew?
Next comes a very poetic part that I like very much. Noah sends out a dove who returns to the arch, he waits seven more days and sends out the dove who returns with an olive branch. I think that's where we get the idea of extending an olive branch as a show of friendship and reconciliation.
The great part is that God promises never to flood the earth again. Obviously he feels some remorse, after all we are a charming and entertaining bunch. And to seal the deal he says" whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth ." 9:15.
As I read this the rainbow which is so beautiful and hopeful takes on a new meaning for me and I hope I see one soon. It's been a long time since I've seen a rainbow in the sky.
When is the last time you've seen a rainbow?
Ahs Wednesday!
In Medieval times when someone was going through a tragedy or time of mourning they would shave their heads, dip it in ashes, wear a sack cloth and wander through the community. It symbolized the great pain and suffering of the individual.
Ash Wednesday still carries this message of mourning because this is time that Jesus went into the wilderness with the knowledge that he would be horribly killed.
In NYC you can go to the Church of the Epiphany all day till eight tonight and receive ashes. The priest will bless you and then mark your forehead with the cross in ashes. I'm sure you've seen some people walking around with them today.
There is a more formal service at seven tonight. All are welcome!
What does ash Wednesday mean to you and your family?
Ash Wednesday still carries this message of mourning because this is time that Jesus went into the wilderness with the knowledge that he would be horribly killed.
In NYC you can go to the Church of the Epiphany all day till eight tonight and receive ashes. The priest will bless you and then mark your forehead with the cross in ashes. I'm sure you've seen some people walking around with them today.
There is a more formal service at seven tonight. All are welcome!
What does ash Wednesday mean to you and your family?
SHROVE Tuesday!!!
Pancakes were served at the church of the Epiphany on 74th and York yesterday. We were served regular and blueberry pancakes, with homemade sausage compliments of Joesph Zorawick. Yum Yum!
Our head priest A. Mullins not only served the guest but made a great blueberry maple syrup.
Thanks to ALL !!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lent for Me
The period of Lent has been celebrated since around 1000 A.D. It was considered a period for fasting and the church suggested that congregations eat, no meat, butter, eggs or milk. The idea here is not to make you suffer by taking away something you love. The idea here is that by giving up something you are not only exercising self discipline but you're telling God and Jesus that you are at least trying to identify with what our Saviour was going through, as he reflected in the wilderness, and had to come to terms with the horrible journey that was about to begin.
So if Jesus is your friend, as a friend you'll want to show some empathy and Lent gives you the opportunity to do this by giving up something. And if you don't want to give up anything this year don't worry. ( I didn't give up anything last year) At least think about it.
I humbly suggest that you just DO something. Go to a church service, go to Ash Wednesday, volunteer at a homeless shelter. Do anything that breaks your routine and is not about you.
What to give up? Well, think of the regular New Year's Eve Resolutions, no smoking, no drinking, no cookies or cake. I am going to give up all alcohol. This year I want to give up something that has a little sting. If I give up ice cream for example, it'll be a no brainer. I don't eat ice cream so it's like I'll be celebrating a faux Lent.
As write that I say wow, forty days? Giving up those Bloody Mary's for brunch? Can I really do this? Well, this year I'm going to try and I'm sure I'll be better for it. How about this. No beer,( I love beer so this will be hard). Only one Bloody Mary at brunch and a glass or two of wine but only at "special dinners". Ok, I'm on. I'll keep you posted.
I think I'll start there.
So if Jesus is your friend, as a friend you'll want to show some empathy and Lent gives you the opportunity to do this by giving up something. And if you don't want to give up anything this year don't worry. ( I didn't give up anything last year) At least think about it.
I humbly suggest that you just DO something. Go to a church service, go to Ash Wednesday, volunteer at a homeless shelter. Do anything that breaks your routine and is not about you.
What to give up? Well, think of the regular New Year's Eve Resolutions, no smoking, no drinking, no cookies or cake. I am going to give up all alcohol. This year I want to give up something that has a little sting. If I give up ice cream for example, it'll be a no brainer. I don't eat ice cream so it's like I'll be celebrating a faux Lent.
As write that I say wow, forty days? Giving up those Bloody Mary's for brunch? Can I really do this? Well, this year I'm going to try and I'm sure I'll be better for it. How about this. No beer,( I love beer so this will be hard). Only one Bloody Mary at brunch and a glass or two of wine but only at "special dinners". Ok, I'm on. I'll keep you posted.
I think I'll start there.
Lent
Lent is a forty day period...a time to let go of sins. The church at this time is stripped of flowers and according to my Episcopal calender the priests will be wearing purple robes that signify penitence and expectation. It's a solemn reflective time.
The great part about Lent is that this is a period where I can reflect inward on my life, change things for the better forgive myself for my sins, although this year I have sinned a lost less than previous Lents.
It doesn't matter however, where you are on the sin scale it's time to examine that, reflect and take the action that will transform yourself for the better. Lent is like an extended New Years Eve resolution but because it's 40 days you really have time to tackle those big problems.
If you've never gone to a Priest before Lent is a great time to go. Although I have found that Priests look unapproachable the ones at Epiphany are quite the opposite. You don't even have to go to church you can give them a call.
Think of then like a shrink you can talk about your problems and whatever you tell them is between you and them. These people have devoted their lives to a calling so don't be afraid to approach them.
The great part about Lent is that this is a period where I can reflect inward on my life, change things for the better forgive myself for my sins, although this year I have sinned a lost less than previous Lents.
It doesn't matter however, where you are on the sin scale it's time to examine that, reflect and take the action that will transform yourself for the better. Lent is like an extended New Years Eve resolution but because it's 40 days you really have time to tackle those big problems.
If you've never gone to a Priest before Lent is a great time to go. Although I have found that Priests look unapproachable the ones at Epiphany are quite the opposite. You don't even have to go to church you can give them a call.
Think of then like a shrink you can talk about your problems and whatever you tell them is between you and them. These people have devoted their lives to a calling so don't be afraid to approach them.
SHROVE Tuesday
Otherwise know as national pancake day this is the day for carb lovers to eat your heart out. It's also Fat Tuesday the famous Mardi Gras celebration of drinking and dancing and whatever else comes to mind?
Why? Because this is the last day before Lent. Lent is the forty day period when Jesus went into the wilderness to meditate and combat the devil. It is the 40 day period that prepares us for the crucifixion on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter night.
The church of the Epiphany on 74th and York will be hosting a pancake and sausage dinner at six and all are welcome. Bring the kids and don't be shy second and thirds and fourths will be served.
Why? Because this is the last day before Lent. Lent is the forty day period when Jesus went into the wilderness to meditate and combat the devil. It is the 40 day period that prepares us for the crucifixion on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter night.
The church of the Epiphany on 74th and York will be hosting a pancake and sausage dinner at six and all are welcome. Bring the kids and don't be shy second and thirds and fourths will be served.
Week 6, Reading
This week the required reading is Genesis chapters 6:9-9. That's the story of Noah and the flood!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
At Church on Sun. Feb 22/09 The Sermon
Joe M. Zorawick gave the sermon today. Joe is a retired priest that is filling in for Jennifer who went into labour early this morning.
Joe talked about the glow of God. It's like the glow Jesus had after his transfiguration. His robes were so white human eyes could hardly look at him.
I understood that perfectly. The glow of God exists within me. I can feel it and I think others can see it. Joe said that this glow is enough to convince people that God exists. You don't have go around bible thumping or try to convince people that God exists. It's the glow that everyone can feel and understand and it's the glow that can inspire. I think Joe had it right on this count.
He also said that it's hard in the real world to keep this going. The way I have found to keep my "glow" is to write and study and pray everyday to God.
You've got to work for your glow. It can't be bought from a bottle. I don't care what the cosmetic companies say.
Joe also asked an interesting question. "If you you were to be convicted of being a Christian today what would the evidence be against you?"
This one I had covered. I have my blog, I attend an EfM course and I can hardly wait till Ash Wednesday to receive my ashes and walk around NYC with them on my forehead. I am definitely "glow addicted".
When do you feel your glow?
What is your answer to Joe;s question?
Joe talked about the glow of God. It's like the glow Jesus had after his transfiguration. His robes were so white human eyes could hardly look at him.
I understood that perfectly. The glow of God exists within me. I can feel it and I think others can see it. Joe said that this glow is enough to convince people that God exists. You don't have go around bible thumping or try to convince people that God exists. It's the glow that everyone can feel and understand and it's the glow that can inspire. I think Joe had it right on this count.
He also said that it's hard in the real world to keep this going. The way I have found to keep my "glow" is to write and study and pray everyday to God.
You've got to work for your glow. It can't be bought from a bottle. I don't care what the cosmetic companies say.
Joe also asked an interesting question. "If you you were to be convicted of being a Christian today what would the evidence be against you?"
This one I had covered. I have my blog, I attend an EfM course and I can hardly wait till Ash Wednesday to receive my ashes and walk around NYC with them on my forehead. I am definitely "glow addicted".
When do you feel your glow?
What is your answer to Joe;s question?
At Church on Sun. Feb 22/09 Part C
Horace White who is the most amazing Deacon I know and the only Deacon I know and is totally approachable read the Gospel according to Mark 9:2-9. The theme here as far as I understand it is transfiguration. That's when God snatches you up to heaven, bing, bang, body and all.
Jesus takes Peter, James and John and leads them to a high mountain where "his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 9:3.
Then, low and behold Moses and Elijah appear and start talking with Jesus. This leads me to believe that this transfiguration is not like the death we experience, but somehow when one is transfigured one can come back to earth in human form. This makes me think that transfiguration is something special bestowed on one from God. And... it's really rare so I won't get my hopes up.
Moses and Elijah disappear and Jesus instructs Peter, James and John not to speak of this until he has risen from the dead.
At this point Jesus has already told his followers that his will die and be betrayed.
How do you feel about the transfiguration thing?
Jesus takes Peter, James and John and leads them to a high mountain where "his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 9:3.
Then, low and behold Moses and Elijah appear and start talking with Jesus. This leads me to believe that this transfiguration is not like the death we experience, but somehow when one is transfigured one can come back to earth in human form. This makes me think that transfiguration is something special bestowed on one from God. And... it's really rare so I won't get my hopes up.
Moses and Elijah disappear and Jesus instructs Peter, James and John not to speak of this until he has risen from the dead.
At this point Jesus has already told his followers that his will die and be betrayed.
How do you feel about the transfiguration thing?
At Church on Sun. Feb 22/09 Part B
L.N. was the second reader who read from 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 which is in the New Testament. This is as I mentioned last week is part of the letters that Paul wrote to the people of Corinth.
I've got to admit here I was a bit taken back and a little uncomfortable. Paul says that,"Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep then from seeing the light of the gospel, the glory of Christ 2 4:3."
I must admit this has not been my experience with God. My eyes were completely blinded but it was me who wore the blinders. And when I was finally able to peek out from under my darkness the light of God shone so brightly that it pushed any blinder I might have left away. God, as I have experienced him did not keep his light from me. That was my doing.
So... if you have comments... please I'd like to hear them.
I've got to admit here I was a bit taken back and a little uncomfortable. Paul says that,"Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep then from seeing the light of the gospel, the glory of Christ 2 4:3."
I must admit this has not been my experience with God. My eyes were completely blinded but it was me who wore the blinders. And when I was finally able to peek out from under my darkness the light of God shone so brightly that it pushed any blinder I might have left away. God, as I have experienced him did not keep his light from me. That was my doing.
So... if you have comments... please I'd like to hear them.
At Church on Sun. Feb 22/09 Part A
Today, we first read from the Old Testament from 2 Kings 2:1-12. Kings 1 and 2 are actually one literary work divided up later by translators. The author remains in question. S.N. read from 2 Kings 2: 1-12 which talks of the ministry of Elijah. In this section Elijah and his son Elisha are on their way from the town of Gilgal and take a detour toward Bethel where they are met by a group of fifty prophets. The prophets repeat Elijah's fate which awaits him reinforcing the fact that Elijah was an important figure.
Apparently, as Elijah has explained to his son the time has come for the LORD to take him away, But Elijah must keep moving and although at every stage of his journey he tells his son to stay his son will not leave his side.
The fifty prophets follow Elijah to the river Jordan when Elijah take "his mantle,"strikes the water, "the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. 2:14.
I thought this part was interesting because I was under the impression that Moses was the only one who parted water. I guess if you part water you're a big dude in God's eyes.
The great part here is that the LORD comes down in blazes to get Elijah. He's taken in chariot of fire, with horses into a whirlwind and up to heaven. I hope that happens to me.
I'm in the dark here because I don't know if this event can be referred to as a transfiguration or if this foreshadows what will happen to Christ minus the chariot and fire?
Apparently, as Elijah has explained to his son the time has come for the LORD to take him away, But Elijah must keep moving and although at every stage of his journey he tells his son to stay his son will not leave his side.
The fifty prophets follow Elijah to the river Jordan when Elijah take "his mantle,"strikes the water, "the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. 2:14.
I thought this part was interesting because I was under the impression that Moses was the only one who parted water. I guess if you part water you're a big dude in God's eyes.
The great part here is that the LORD comes down in blazes to get Elijah. He's taken in chariot of fire, with horses into a whirlwind and up to heaven. I hope that happens to me.
I'm in the dark here because I don't know if this event can be referred to as a transfiguration or if this foreshadows what will happen to Christ minus the chariot and fire?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Week 5 Cain and Abel Part B
So Cain kills Abel and then God finds out about it. The interesting thing here is that God does not kill Cain in retaliation in fact he banishes him (which is a horrible punishment), but at the same time he protects him by giving him a mark.
Here's where your kids can argue for a tatoo.
Apparantly in "those times" a person who was found wandering about without a mark to signify his clan was summerialy killed. So God, in all his wisdom did not want Cain killed. He still loved him.
Unfortunatly the bloodlust did not stop there. Cain gave birth to Lamech who sings the praises of his acts of killing people simple because they offended him. It seems like murder has become a culturally acceptable act and this of course sets the stage for the story of Noah. Obviously God can't take this anymore and decides to do something about it.
Do take note however that Lamech the singing murdered hasa three sons. One is a farmer, one and artist and one a blacksmith. All sho live in the city Cain built. This is the first instance in the bible where civilization is giving birth to trade. And man grows from a hunter and a gatherer to enjoy the lesure time and need the singers and the dancers and the artists to amuse him .
Here's where your kids can argue for a tatoo.
Apparantly in "those times" a person who was found wandering about without a mark to signify his clan was summerialy killed. So God, in all his wisdom did not want Cain killed. He still loved him.
Unfortunatly the bloodlust did not stop there. Cain gave birth to Lamech who sings the praises of his acts of killing people simple because they offended him. It seems like murder has become a culturally acceptable act and this of course sets the stage for the story of Noah. Obviously God can't take this anymore and decides to do something about it.
Do take note however that Lamech the singing murdered hasa three sons. One is a farmer, one and artist and one a blacksmith. All sho live in the city Cain built. This is the first instance in the bible where civilization is giving birth to trade. And man grows from a hunter and a gatherer to enjoy the lesure time and need the singers and the dancers and the artists to amuse him .
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